Curious caves

Some of these caves are so well hidden that you have to walk through waterfalls to get to them. Others only appear at low tide and one cave in Yorkshire is said to be home to the queen of the fairies. Whichever cave you decide to visit there are many adventures to be had en route.

Holywell

At low tide this cave can be found tucked under the southern cliffs. From the beach it appears a mere slit, but some steps lead up to several stepped pools ascending towards a hole in the cave roof. Take care on the steps, which are covered with slimy green weed. Please make sure you check the tide times before you go and take someone with you.

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

On the main footpath you can see boil holes. These strange caves are openings in the ground, down which two rivers can be seen bubbling and 'boiling'. The River Manifold and it's tributary, the River Hamps, both flow largely underground. Rumour has it that in Victorian times one of the boil holes was used as a bath. Ask at our visitor reception for more detailed directions.

Ilam Park, Dovedale and the White Peak

Climb up from the main footpath to reach Reynard's Cave. This dramatic site is thought to have been used during pre-historic times and, more recently, has been named after a highwayman who lived in it.

Quarry Bank

Home to a cave with a rich history. The cave was once home to a family, who used gorse bushes to fill up the front and keep out the cold. Before that a hermit lived there. You can see several shelves still cut into the rock. In later years the cave was used to house owls.

The secret’s out. Batman’s lair is in Powys. It can be found behind an 88ft (27m) waterfall, called Henrhyd Falls. In The Dark Knight Rises Batman disappears behind the falls to enter his hideout. Amazingly this isn’t a camera trick. Brave visitors can walk through the curtain of white water and discover a place where darkness glistens, light sparkles and water thunders down.

Malham Tarn Estate

The secret cave, hidden behind a waterfall, is tantalisingly out of reach. Follow the diversion off the Pennine Way to discover the magical waterfall and the cave that is said to be home to Janet, Queen of the Fairies.

Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses

The Rock Houses, are not built in natural caves, but were first carved out by people in the 18th-century; you can still see the chip-marks on the walls. With real fires and tunnels connecting rooms this is a snug place to escape to on wet and windy days and and a real departure from traditional stately homes.

Dark burrows, winding tunnels through trees and shafts that seem to go to the centre of the earth – are you brave enough to enter these places of little light? Some tunnels are scarier than others, but all are well worth a visit.